Gen Z job-hopping peaks: 42% of Canadian workers under 30 plan to quit within six months

Nearly half of Gen Z workers in Canada are planning to leave their jobs within the next six months, according to a new survey of more than 3,500 Canadian workers by Randstad Employer Brand Research.

While just 23 per cent of the overall Canadian workforce plans a job change, 42 per cent of Gen Z respondents are ready to move. About 12 per cent of those plan to transfer within the same company rather than move elsewhere.

Compensation is the primary driver. Nearly half (48 per cent) of respondents cited low pay as the biggest reason to leave, while 40 per cent wanted to improve work-life balance and 34 per cent cited lack of career growth. When forced to choose between compensation and work-life balance—the two top priorities overall at 66 per cent each—the majority ranked salary as most important.

Gender splits emerged in the data. Women prioritized compensation at 69 per cent compared to 62 per cent of men. Men were more likely to plan job moves, with 36 per cent planning to depart in early 2026 compared to 30 per cent of women. The value placed on salary increases with age: 54 per cent of Gen Z rated it most impactful compared to 77 per cent of Baby Boomers.

Benefits also mattered. About 80 per cent of workers said benefits supporting lifestyle—flexibility, time off, health and wellness—were crucial. Despite widespread job-switching plans, 63 per cent of those surveyed rated their current employer positively on work-life balance.

Technology played a mixed role in hiring. While 68 per cent of job seekers said in-person contact is non-negotiable when exploring positions, social media proved influential: 62 per cent of candidates landed jobs via Facebook while only 53 per cent actively used it to search. Personal referrals landed just 27 per cent of positions despite only 29 per cent of candidates using them.